Mumbai, May 11 — The Bombay High Court has temporarily restrained the makers of Rajkummar Rao-starrer Bhool Chook Maaf from releasing the film on any OTT or digital platform for eight weeks following its theatrical release. This order comes in response to a petition filed by multiplex chain PVR INOX, alleging a breach of contractual agreement by the producers, Maddock Films.
As per agency report, PVR INOX approached the court after the production house decided to skip a theatrical release and instead announced a digital premiere on May 16, citing national security concerns amidst ongoing India-Pakistan military tensions. According to PVR INOX, this decision violated a contract signed on May 6, under which the film was scheduled to release in cinemas across India on May 9, with an exclusive theatrical window of eight weeks before its OTT debut.
PVR INOX’s counsel, Dinyar Madon, argued that the last-minute cancellation severely impacted the company’s credibility, especially since they had already undertaken promotional activities, reserved screens, and sold tickets. He emphasized that such an abrupt reversal harmed the company's reputation and consumer trust.
Maddock Films, represented by advocate Venkatesh Dhond, contended that the eight-week restriction applied only if the film was released theatrically, which did not happen. The production house cited security-related circumstances as the reason for switching to a digital release.
Justice Arif Doctor, while passing the interim order on Friday, observed that PVR INOX had fulfilled its contractual obligations and that the abrupt cancellation indeed had potential to damage its reputation. The court directed Maddock Films not to release the film on any OTT platform until eight weeks after a future theatrical release in PVR cinemas, should it occur.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on June 16. Meanwhile, the court has asked Maddock Films to file its formal response.
